Lauren Galvin

        Partner
        Contact Info

        Lauren is a highly accomplished litigation attorney at Verrill, providing strategic counsel and representation to private and public clients across all stages of litigation, including case initiation, discovery, trial preparation, and appeals. Lauren has more than a decade of experience representing private and public clients in the Supreme Judicial Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court, Land Court, and Superior Court.

        Her practice encompasses many legal areas, including land use and zoning, real estate disputes, State and local permitting, the Wetlands Protection Act, local legislation, elections, public records law, and open meetings law. Lauren’s ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes make her a trusted advocate for her clients.

        Lauren has been at the forefront of significant legal developments in Massachusetts. She co-counseled in the landmark case Bristol Asphalt Co., Inc. v. Rochester Bituminous Products, Inc., 493 Mass. 539 (2024), where the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) clarified and simplified the analytical framework for assessing anti-SLAPP motions under G.L.c. 231, §59H. This decision marked a pivotal shift in Massachusetts jurisprudence by eliminating cumbersome procedural tests and returning to a more straightforward framework aligned with legislative intent. Lauren’s contributions to the case were instrumental in securing a victory that benefited her client and provided clear guidance for courts and practitioners navigating anti-SLAPP litigation. Reflecting on the decision, Lauren emphasized its importance in protecting petitioning rights while ensuring streamlined litigation processes.

        In addition to her work on Bristol, Lauren has successfully argued and won cases before the Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court of Massachusetts. Her victories include setting critical precedents under the Wetlands Protection Act and securing favorable rulings in zoning disputes.

        Before joining Verrill, Lauren was an associate at Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP, where she represented dozens of municipal and school clients on all matters of municipal law. While at Murphy Hesse, she served as the City Solicitor for Attleboro and the Town Counsel for Hanover. These roles allowed her to develop a deep understanding of municipal law and public-sector litigation.

        Lauren’s legal foundation was built during her time at Emory University School of Law, where she served as managing editor of the Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal. She gained valuable experience during law school through internships with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office. Before law school, Lauren was a litigation paralegal at Hill & Barlow and Goulston & Storrs in Boston, where she developed foundational skills in case management and legal research.

        At Verrill, Lauren continues to distinguish herself through her litigation successes and commitment to fostering client relationships and delivering exceptional legal service. Her work reflects Verrill’s decency, honesty, and judgment values while upholding the firm’s tradition of excellence in advocacy.

        Services/Industries

        Education

        • Boston College (B.A.)
          • English
        • University College Dublin
        • Emory University School of Law (J.D.)
          • Emory Bankruptcy Developments Journal, Managing Editor, Emory Public Interest Committee, Student Member, Student Legal Services, Caseworker

        Bar Admissions

        • Massachusetts

        Court and Other Admissions

        • United States District Court, District of Massachusetts

        Memberships

        • Member, Women’s Bar Association
        • Associate Member, Hingham Zoning Board of Appeals
        • Member, Dukes County Bar Association
        • Member, Real Estate Bar Association

        Honors

        • Citizens Schools Legal Apprenticeship
        • Public Safety Service Award

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        Firm Highlights

        Press Releases

        97 Verrill Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2027, Including Four Named Lawyers of the Year

        AUGUSTA, Maine, BANGOR, Maine, BOSTON, Mass., PORTLAND, Maine, and WESTPORT, Conn., (August 20, 2026) – Verrill is proud to announce that 97...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SEC’s Proposed “Reg Crypto”: What Founders Need to Know

        Startup founders and emerging-growth companies have a number of options for raising capital under the federal securities laws, including Regulation D...
        Blog

        After 45 Years, the IRS Speaks on DCAP Nondiscrimination Testing – And It’s Good News

        Employers that provide a Dependent Care Assistance Program will be pleased to learn that for the first time in 45 years, the IRS has issued guidance...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses Bankruptcy Auction Strategy in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach spoke with Law360 article examining the complex bankruptcy auction process that resulted in the sale of 23 summer...
        Media Mentions

        Martha Gaythwaite Featured in Portland Press Herald Coverage of Sig Sauer Trial Victory

        Verrill attorney Martha Gaythwaite was highlighted in media coverage of a federal trial in Bangor involving firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer. As...
        Media Mentions

        Law360 Quotes Robert Keach on Senate Bill Affecting Small Business Restructurings

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article discussing federal legislation that would permanently restore the $7.5 million...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SAFEs and Preferred Stock – Key Deal Terms Every Founder Should Know

        SAFEs Before negotiating a term sheet for preferred stock, many early-stage companies, particularly at the seed stage, first raise capital through...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Business Restructuring and Insolvency Attorney Nimra Tariq

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to announce that Nimra Tariq has joined the firm’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Group as an...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Provides Commentary on First Brands Restructuring in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was quoted in the Law360 article, "First Brands' Ch. 11 Plan Revives Angst Over Admin Claims," discussing First Brands...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Construction Attorney Cassie Dufon

        PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill is pleased to welcome Cassie Dufon to the firm’s Construction Group as an Associate, resident in the firm’s Portland...
        Press Releases

        Verrill’s Wide-Ranging Private Wealth Law Practice Recognized in 2026 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

        BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine and BOSTON, Mass. – Verrill attorneys Kenneth P. Brier, Anya F. Endsley, Kurt E. Klebe, Mary McQuillen, Nathaniel S....
        Blog

        Update on Status of Maine Packaging EPR

        In December 2024, Verrill published a blog post, Unwrapping Maine's Gift to the Environment: A New Packaging Stewardship Program Set to Launch in...